Summer Edition of Grizzly Bizz
3rd Edition
Two more days until we get to welcome back all our Grizzlies! As our community grows, so does our staff. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to some new staff. Please see below for the introductions.
Teacher assignments will be live on Parent Portal tomorrow at 1:00 and the PTA Ice Cream Social begins at 3:30.
One final installment of the Summer Grizzly Bizz will be coming tomorrow with pick up and drop off procedures. We look forward to seeing all our Grizzlies on Thursday for the first day of school!
With Great Anticipation,
Megan Bricker
Principal
Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday, 8/17 1:00 PM- Class Assignments posted to Parent Portal
- Wednesday 8/17 3:30-5:30 PM- PTA Ice Cream Social
- Thursday, 8/18- First Day of School!
- Thursday, 8/18- MINIMUM DAY for grades 1-6
- Thursday, 9/1- MINIMUM DAY for grades 1-6
- Thursday, 9/1 6:00-7:00 PM- Back to School Night, parent only event
How can I best prepare my child for the first day?
Morning Drop off
The first day is exciting! Please know every family feels this excitement and energy. We appreciate your patience. Parking will be challenging. We ask that families allow for extra time and try to carpool and walk when possible. Our PTA will have photo areas out front. All Pre-K and Kinder students will report to the Kinder area (near the small parking lot) and the 1st-6th grade students will meet in the back of the school. Teacher signs will be posted outside to indicate where to line up.
Afternoon Pick up
Be sure your child knows where to expect you for pick up. Options for 1st-6th grade include:
- Driving and staying in the curbside valet line. Please identify if you will be in the "small lot" or the "big lot."
- Parking in the parking lot or on Long Grass and walking up to the front of the school.
- Walking/ biking from home. Note, IUSD Board Policy states that 3rd-6th graders can ride a bike with a helmet.
Food Options
All CA students will have access to free snack (at recess) and free lunch (1st-6th). Children can choose to pack and bring a lunch or get lunch from Nutrition Services. Students will need to input their pin code to get lunch. You can find the menu HERE.
What do I need to send with my child?
We suggest a backpack, refillable water bottle that is labelled, and a snack or lunch (see above for options). We have bottle filling stations throughout campus to fill up water bottles. Teachers will be highlighting this in tours with students. Please note that students are outside for recess and lunch if you'd like to send a hat. We suggest sunscreen before school. Students cannot bring their own sunscreen so AM application is helpful. If you would like support in getting supplies or a backpack, please email AshleyHamilton@iusd.org.
Welcome to Our New Staff Members
Ms. Kelly Mitchell, School Psychologist
I am excited and honored at the opportunity to be a part of the incredible Portola Springs team for the upcoming 2022/23 school year. This will be my 10th year working within IUSD where I have previously served in the capacities of both a School Psychologist as well as an Assistant Principal. I earned a Bachelor in Science in Child and Adolescent Studies/Development from California State University, Fullerton and a Master of Arts in Education in School Psychology with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Alliant International University.
My family and I reside in Anaheim Hills (where I was born and raised). We have one zestful daughter (Kayleigh, 5 years old) who is thrilled to start Kindergarten this school year. As a family we enjoy spending lots of time with family and friends, playing games together, frequenting the pool and vacationing in Big Bear. One of my favorite pastimes is baking. This year the things that I am most looking forward to is building positive, supportive and long-lasting relationships with students, staff and families and being an impactful member of the Grizzly GREAT community!
Mrs. Aimee Bahr, Ed Specialist Mod/Severe
Hello, my name is Aimee Bahr and I am ecstatic to be joining the Portola Springs special education team!
I earned my masters degree in mild/moderate & moderate/severe special education from the University of Oregon; and am excited to be entering my 7th year teaching!
My family and I recently bought our first home in Irvine and are excited to be putting down roots in such a lovely community. My family includes my wonderful in-laws, my husband Josh and our four year old son, Eli who will be attending Portola Springs this year! We love spending weekends at Disneyland, going swimming and walking our rambunctious puppy. I’m looking forward to an amazing year getting to know all my students and their families!
Mrs. Kelly Josway, Ed Specialist Mod/Severe
I am so excited to be joining the special education team at Portola Springs Elementary. While I am still new to teaching (2nd year), I have been with IUSD since 2014. I was a Classroom Behavior Interventionist up until last year when I taught IVA Middle School Mod/Severe. I have a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and have worked with children on the autism spectrum for 18+ years. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Special Education.
My husband, Jim, and I live in Aliso Viejo with our calico cat, Patches. I am originally from Oklahoma and that is where my family still lives. In my free time I enjoy spending afternoons on the patio with Patches, reading crime mysteries, and watching Home Town on HGTV. I am looking forward to a new school year filled with new adventures!
Mrs. Stephanie Biagi, Ed Specialist Learning Center
I am very excited to join the team and be a part of the community at Portola Springs Elementary. This is my 7th year teaching special education. I graduated from Western Washington University and taught in the Seattle area for 2 years, which also is where I grew up and spent most of my life.
In 2017 a new career change brought my husband Mark and I out to Dallas, TX. I taught special education in the Plano Independent School District for 4 years. We rescued our dog Lily about 2 year ago and love taking her on adventures. We are now so happy to be on the west coast near our family. I’m looking forward to starting the school year!
Ms. Olivia Setka, 2nd Grade Teacher
I am so excited to be joining the Portola Springs community! I grew up in Irvine and attended Irvine schools K-12, so it is such a privilege to now be teaching in such a wonderful school district that made me love education and want to be a teacher. I received my credential and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Chapman University. I previously taught 5th grade at Stone Creek Elementary in IUSD. I cannot wait to build meaningful relationships, foster community, and help my students grow academically, socially, and emotionally this year.
Outside of the classroom, you can find me hanging with my dogs, enjoying the outdoors, or baking new recipes. Go Grizzlies!
Mrs. Kelsey Flaharty (Bianchini), 3rd Grade Teacher
I am so excited to join the third-grade team at Portola Springs. I taught 4th grade for two years in New Jersey and recently moved back to California to continue teaching fourth grade in the Diocese of Orange. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland.
I grew up in Orange County and absolutely love it here! I recently got married to my high school sweetheart, Conner. We also added a furry member to the family this summer, Maple. We love traveling and being active. I can’t wait to start my new journey in IUSD!
Class Placement Information
Portola Springs Elementary
Website: https://portolasprings.iusd.org
Location: 12100 Portola Springs, Irvine, CA, USA
Phone: 949-936-8800
Facebook: facebook.com/portolaspringselementary